12 Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles 2023

Jan 21, 2024

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They can help with dark circles and puffiness, too!

When it comes to eye creams, skepticism about if they really work is higher than most beauty products. That's because not only are many eye creams expensive, but the older we get, the harder it is to target fine lines, especially around areas as delicate as under our eyes. And while you absolutely don't need to use eye cream, if you do want to lessen the appearance of wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles, note that your regular face cream or oil won't do.

“There is a purpose for eye creams because the skin around the eye is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face and eye creams are specifically formulated for that delicate skin," says North Carolina-based board certified dermatologist Dr. Olivia Hughes.

While there’s no quick fix for fine lines and wrinkles, the good news is that the root issue is often dehydration, which eye creams are great at addressing. "Lack of hydration in the skin can manifest as more apparent fine-lines and wrinkles," Dr. Hughes notes.

With Dr. Hughes' guidance, along with reading reviews from actual consumers who have tried the products, here is our list of the best eye creams for wrinkles in 2023. Each will help with more than one concern and they all have high reviews. You'll also find celebrity-favorites, and inexpensive options you can pick up at the drugstore.

CeraVe is at the top of almost every dermatologist's list because the brand is affordable, great for sensitive skin and actually work. The brand's eye cream is no different. It has a peptide complex to "help reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet wrinkles," as well as niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 which will also help with loss of firmness and brightening. It also has caffeine to help depuff eyes.

Review: "I use it day and night and it really smooths out a lot of my under eye wrinkles. I massage it on outward x 10 and it plumps up my lower eyes really nice. It even takes away some of the puffiness. Love it."

Jennifer Garner and Kim Kardashian are reportedly fans of this ultra-hydrating cream, but don't just take their words for it. With over 12,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, beauty lovers say the gel is soft without being greasy, and it absorbs quickly, so you can get out the door fast.

Review: "I love this hydro boost eye cream from Neutrogena! It absorbs so well, layers seamlessly and is perfect for my sensitive skin. I use this cream as my daytime product; a longtime standard in my skincare arsenal. Great price point as well."

This fragrance-free formula boasts retinol and niacinamide (a.k.a. serious hydration) that brightens and reduces wrinkles over time. A budget-friendly option from a trusted brand is a great place to start if you’ve been using a hydrating eye cream and are looking to up your game with more anti-aging properties.

Review: "Over time I noticed the TV image was getting cloudier. One evening I happened to rub my eyes and discovered that when I raised my eyelid, the TV image was perfect. Age-related droopy eyelids! I ordered Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Eye Cream. Within two weeks of nightly applications, My eyelids were wide open again!"

Specifically designed for those with sensitive skin, it is unscented, and features shea butter. But that doesn't mean it doesn't pack a punch. The hyaluronic acid helps with skin elasticity to reduce wrinkles and lines.

Review: "This is a wonderful product, affordable and feels really good. It goes on so smoothly, is beautiful under eye makeup, no pilling and smooth. Softens skin. I've been using less than a week and notice a difference already. Does not cause irritation for sensitive eyes. 10/10!"

One of our editors used this product on her 68-year-old mother to help reduce under-eye puffiness. To say she was impressed is an understatement. In just minutes, it can depuff and lessen the appearance of wrinkles under the eye, but it also works for upper lids and crow's feet. The only downside is, if you use too much, a white residue will form, so we recommended applying it lightly with an angled eyebrow brush.

Review: "First and foremost, the instant results are truly remarkable. Upon application, the Eye Tightener works its magic, visibly tightening and lifting the delicate skin around my eyes. Fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness seem to vanish, leaving a smooth and revitalized appearance. It's like having an instant facelift specifically tailored for the eyes."

You can't beat the price of this best-selling eye cream, but the cost isn't the only great thing about it. Like others on this list, Amazon reviewers say it's lightweight and absorbs quickly. But the brand claims it also works to "lift and firm" skin as you use it.

Review: "First time using eye cream and this has done a wonderful job on me! Totally recommend. Saw results the same week I started using it."

The brand’s signature ingredient is squalane, which, according to the Cleveland Clinic, can help increase hydration. It also has inflammatory properties to help with skin issues, like eczema. The airy formula packs an ingredient punch with floral extracts that firm and lift upon application. It even won a 2023 Good Housekeeping Beauty Award.

Review: "I’ve been using this cream for a week and I have to say I already see positive results with my fine lines under my eyes!! I'm so impressed and glad I bought it. And yes I will continue buying it."

This science-backed brand doesn’t mess around when it comes to ingredients. It has antioxidants and peptides to target wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet, according to the brand.

Review: "A little goes a long way with this eye cream. It made my eye wrinkles and bags significantly better. Really like the creamy but light texture. Some eye creams make your eye makeup, especially your mascara smudge. This does not. My favorite eye cream."

According to the brand, the formula gently exfoliates (yes, you read that right) for smoother, healthy-looking eyes thanks to the mushroom complex (a.k.a different types of mushrooms mixed together!). Potent vitamin C brightens for an overall less “did-you-sleep-okay-last-night?” look.

Review: "This eye serum reduced puffiness and wrinkles, it also just feels so cool and fresh when applying. I saw results after around a week of use.'

Instead of traditional retinol, you'll find bakuchiol, which is a seed extract that can help stimulate collagen, according to Harvard Health Publishing. It's ideal if using retinol has caused you irritation in the past.

Review: "My under eye is lightening up and looks a lot better around the eye area. The lines are fading away and adding a youthful effect."

This tinted formula provides instant color correction for that elusive well-rested look while also reducing puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. It also has a "cooling applicator." Many reviewers say they wear this instead of traditional concealer under their eyes, especially since it features SPF 35. It's important to note that it only comes in four tint options: fair, medium, tan and deep.

Review: "I was skeptical at first but as soon as I put it on, I was in love! The formulation is light, feels luxurious, and seems to be absorbed instantly, leaving a shimmery glow around my eyes. Instantly, I feel and look alert, awake AND younger. I am a mom of 3 busy kids so I was looking for a fast, 'no make-up' look that still makes me feel put together and this does it."

Are you wearing a daily SPF? Of course, you are (don’t make me come find you). Add extra protection to one of the most sensitive parts of your face with this cream that has SPF 40. This formula also claims to brighten thanks to the shadow-disguising tint, while the probiotics and caffeine work to reduce wrinkles.

Review: "I have tried so many eye creams, as we all have. But this is by far the best out there and especially for the price. It's not too thick and it literally lasts ALL day. I put it on at 7a and writing this 12 hours later at 7p and it's still on! It's great both under makeup and by itself. I am so pleased and will definitely be purchasing this in the future."

Look for formulas with retinol, the gold standard for its anti-aging benefits. Dr. Hughes boasts that retinol can “plump and firm the skin,” but warms it can sometimes lead to irritation. Exciting new anti-aging ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid can help lock in the skin’s natural moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Caffeine is also a buzzy eye cream ingredient, but keep your expectations at bay as the “wake up” effect is temporary.

Start with clean hands, advises Dr. Hughes. Apply a pea-sized amount starting on the outer corner of your eye and then bring the product down, tapping gently. “A lot of people like to apply eye cream with their ring finger because you can apply gently without tugging or stretching the delicate skin.

“It’s never too early” according to Dr. Hughes. Getting in the habit of protecting and caring for your skin is always a good idea. Even in your 20s, says Dr. Hughes. But don’t worry if your 20s are in the rearview mirror, as better late than never applies here.

Maribeth B Jones is the Design Director of Country Living where she creates seasonal content full of warmth and playfulness. When she’s not wrangling chickens for a cover shoot you can find her collecting vintage oil portraits or flipping pancakes in her sunny, yellow kitchen with her two chatty daughters.

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